In a milestone event signaling Syria’s reintegration into global aviation, the first international commercial flight since the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad landed at Damascus International Airport on Tuesday.
The Qatar Airways flight carried Syrian nationals returning home after years in exile, many reuniting emotionally with loved ones at the terminal.
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Ashad al-Suleibi, head of Syria’s Air Transport Authority, praised Qatar for aiding in the restoration of the airport, which had suffered extensive damage from years of neglect and repeated Israeli airstrikes. “The [al-Assad] regime caused severe damage to this crucial facility, as well as Aleppo airport,” al-Suleibi noted.
One of the passengers, Osama Musalama, a Syrian expatriate from the United States, visited his homeland for the first time since the outbreak of civil war in 2011.
Meanwhile, Jordanian state media reported a Royal Jordanian Airlines test flight to Damascus. Haitham Misto, the head of Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, accompanied a technical team to assess the airport’s readiness for regular operations.
Diplomatic Renewal and Reconstruction Efforts
Syria has experienced a surge in diplomatic activity following last month’s rebel offensive that led to al-Assad’s removal. Arab and Western nations are restoring ties with the new governing authorities, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Asaad al-Shibani, Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, recently toured Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to seek Gulf support for rebuilding the war-torn nation. On Tuesday, al-Shibani met with Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman al-Safadi, in Amman to discuss bilateral cooperation in energy, trade, and border security.
Jordan has pledged immediate electricity and gas support to Syria. “We are committed to assisting the Syrian people in rebuilding their homeland based on security, stability, and sovereignty,” al-Safadi stated during a joint press conference.
Tackling the Captagon Trade
Under al-Assad, Syria became a hub for smuggling Captagon amphetamines into Gulf nations, straining relations with Jordan. Al-Shibani assured that the new administration has dismantled Captagon production sites in Damascus and Latakia. “The threat to Jordan’s security from drugs and Captagon is now eliminated,” he declared.
Plans for National Dialogue
Al-Shibani announced an upcoming “national dialogue conference” to chart Syria’s future, with a preparatory committee representing various societal segments. Initially planned for January, the meeting has been postponed.
Despite ongoing economic struggles and Western sanctions, Syrians face challenges like limited electricity and essential services. The interim authorities are seeking regional and international aid to rebuild infrastructure and restore stability.
